Hon Dr Nick Smith
Minister of Conservation
14 August 2014
New wharf opens on Rangitoto Island
A new wharf designed to accommodate growing visitor numbers on Rangitoto Island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf/Tikapa Moana
was formally opened today by Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith.
“This new wharf is about better connecting Auckland’s 1.4 million people with the symbolic island of Rangitoto and the
adjacent recreation reserve on Motutapu. The city is so fortunate to have these unusual volcanic landscapes, rare
wildlife and the world’s largest pohutukawa forest on its doorstep. It is only a 25-minute ferry journey from downtown
Auckland and we want to encourage growth in the 100,000 visitors each year so more people get to enjoy these
conservation treasures,” Dr Smith says.
The old existing wooden wharf on the island was built in 1958, and required expensive ongoing maintenance. It is no
longer able to accommodate large vessels and increasing visitor numbers. The design of the new wharf will significantly
reduce ferry cancellations and re-routings due to bad weather, and will allow passengers to disembark more quickly at
peak times thanks to its double landing design. The $6.72 million wharf is a significant investment and costs will be
recovered over the lifespan of the wharf by wharf licence fees.
“The new wharf design also includes a waharoa, or customary gateway, which reflects the increased recognition of the
cultural dimension of Rangitoto and Motutapu. Today we also mark the passing into law of the Ngā Mana Whanua o Tāmaki
Makaurau Redress Act and the co-governance future for the islands. The carving on the wharf was designed and made by
Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki carver Reuben Kirkwood. Visitors will now pass under the waharoa as they arrive and help understand
the rich Māori heritage of these islands.
“Auckland can take great pride in the huge volunteer effort that has gone into restoring Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands.
These pest-free islands are home to critically endangered takahe and shore plover, and also brown kiwi, kākāriki,
bellbird and saddleback. There are very few major cities in the world where people can access so easily such rare
species in the wild.
“Walking to the summit of Rangitoto is already one of Auckland’s most popular daytrips, and the Department of
Conservation, other agencies and iwi are planning more visitor experiences for the islands. One of these is the
multi-day Rangitoto-Motutapu Haerenga walk, part of the Department’s Manaaki Trails. It is a hosted journey for visitors
to discover the contrasting landscapes and histories of the two islands in a way that is easy to access, comfortable and
fun.
“I encourage more Aucklanders to come and experience Rangitoto and Motutapu with these improved facilities, but also ask
people to take care and ensure they do not bring stowaway pests and weeds by respecting the biosecurity rules,” Dr Smith
concluded.
ENDS